Single Publication

Ore Fire Update
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 – 9:30 a.m.

Size: 1452 acres | Reported Date: July 16, 2024 | Cause: Under Investigation | Containment: 29%
Total Assigned Personnel: 310 | 6 engines | 5 hand crews | 3 dozers | 19 water tenders | 8 masticators | 4 feller bunchers

(Blue River, Ore.) – Fire suppression efforts continue on the Ore Fire, which is burning 7 miles northeast of Blue River, Oregon. Challenges include steep and rugged terrain, rolling rocks and debris, and fire-weakened trees. Firefighter and public safety remain the number one priority on the incident. Fire managers are focusing on activities with a high probability of success while minimizing risk to firefighters and protecting values such as communities, infrastructure and forest, recreation and cultural resources. Crews' arduous work over the past two weeks has resulted in containment lines that are protecting these values to the south. The demanding and prolonged nature of wildland firefighting can significantly impact the overall well-being of incident response personnel. Small actions such as the public’s appreciation signs and visits from therapy dogs have made a big difference to morale.  

Yesterday, fire activity was moderated by scattered showers. Crews removed hazardous trees from the FS 1509 Road using explosives rather than felling these large diameter fire-damaged trees, minimizing exposure to ground personnel. Elsewhere to the north, heavy equipment operators graded, cleared and widened roads to be utilized as containment lines. 

Today, efforts are ongoing to patrol and monitor the secured fire perimeters. Plumbing with sprinklers and hose lays will be reallocated from the contained areas to the areas where the fire's edge is progressing down the hillside along the FS 1509 Road. Crews will begin connecting the FS 1509 Road north to the FS 842 Road utilizing a mix of hand lines and dozer lines to cut out a dangerous section of steep, tight turns.

Mental and emotional fatigue can impair firefighter’s ability to work effectively, and even small errors can have catastrophic consequences in wildland firefighting. Wildland firefighters are facing longer and more destructive fire seasons. Agencies are working to provide mental health resources, promote work-life balance, and provide well-being support while on an incident. In response, a special guest visited the incident to combat fatigue and boost morale yesterday -- Apollo the Therapy Dog (contracted through Global Medical Response in partnership with AT&T FirstNet). 

Weather: Cloudy and cool conditions with scattered showers are forecast through noon today before drier air moves over the fire. Moderated fire weather will continue into the afternoon. Hot and dry conditions return tomorrow and continue into the weekend, resulting in increased fire danger. 

Safety: Fire restrictions are in effect. For additional information, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/willamette/fire. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. Unstaffed Aerial Systems (UAS or drones) are prohibited within the TFR. Find out more at: If You Fly, We Can't | US Forest Service (usda.gov)

Smoke: The Ore Fire is producing minimal smoke. However, numerous fires are burning throughout the state, leading to decreased air quality. A daily smoke outlook can be found at https://wildlandfiresmoke.net. Being prepared for smoke is important. For more information, go to: www.airnow.gov/wildfires/be-smoke-ready.org. 

Forest Closures: Closures on the Willamette National Forest have been established around fire-impacted areas, including the following sites: Buck Mountain Trail, Tidbits South and West Trail, Gold Hill Trail, Mona Campground, Lookout Campground, and Saddle Dam Boat Launch. For a complete list of recreation and roads in the Ore Fire closure order, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices.